2. analog
  3. 178627-2529

Cartridges, Vinyl, Stylus, Turntable

Generally speaking, will a cheap, non-expensive cartridge (Sumiko Pearl, $120) damage an audiophile record? I’m concerned about wear and damage to a record. In this case, I’m not concerned about sound quality. 
I ask this question because I have a high end system with a very expensive cartridge. Lots of pristine, audiophile LPs. 
 I plan to set up a less expensive system in another room which will get lots more activity. I do not want to buy an expensive cart. 
 Would playing precious records using an inexpensive cartridge damage a record?

Assuming the stylus is in good condition. 

oregon
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,911 posts
 

+1 @mijostyn 

That was my first impression too 

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,480 posts
 

@oregon Good to hear. Looking forward to an update. Pay no attention to the second system naysayers. 😉 Records are to be enjoyed!

big_greg
6,561 posts
 

Why on God's green earth would you need a turntable in a secondary system?

I have a secondary system that I have been using to play grade all my records and get them entered into the Discogs database.

It's no slouch.  The analog chain consists of Simaudio 600i, Harbeth P3ESR, Power Sound Audio S1500 subwoofer, Manley Chinook phono stage, JVC QL-Y66F table with an inexpensive Denon DL-301 MK2 cartridge.  

Why limit yourself to one system?

To the OP, as long as the cartridge is made well and set up properly you shouldn't damage your records.  

dogberry
568 posts
 

And here I am with two turntables in my primary system, both the same, and just so I can have two different cartridges on the go!

juanmanuelfangioii
958 posts
 

Gosh I have 2 turntables in my reference system and 1 in my secondary.

Thinking of getting one for the the system in the pool house. Not as nice as it sounds it is really just a shed, pool house sounds cooler. 

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